Recall 13V257 affects 128 2013 Zero Fx and Xu motorcycles for battery sealant that lets water enter. Repair is free at any franchised Zero dealer.
Zero is recalling 128 2013 Fx and Xu motorcycles because defective battery sealant can let water reach the cells. The issue can corrode the cells, trigger rapid temperature rise and electrolyte off-gassing, and cause a burn to the rider; the Zero dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The battery on the 2013 Zero Fx and Xu motorcycles stores electrical energy and supplies the motorcycle while it is in use. The battery case depends on sealant to keep water away from the internal cells. Those cells need to stay dry so the electrical system can work as designed.
On the recalled motorcycles, a manufacturing defect in the battery sealant leaves the battery vulnerable to water intrusion. Water can get past the sealant and reach the battery cells. Once water contacts those cells, the battery is no longer protected the way Zero intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a light, sound, smell, or change in ride feel before water reaches the battery cells.
Who's affected?
Covers the Fx and Xu from the same model year, with the battery listed for both models.
| 2013 Zero Fx | battery |
|---|---|
| 2013 Zero Xu | battery |
| Units affected | 128 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Water entering the battery can corrode cells. That corrosion can cause a rapid temperature increase and electrolyte off-gassing, which creates a burn risk for the rider. Schedule the recall repair soon, and stop riding if the battery overheats or vents. Repair will be free at any franchised Zero dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Zero Fx or Xu is included in this recall.
- Watch for Zero's owner notice, mailed on June 26, 2013, and keep any recall paperwork with the motorcycle.
- Call Zero customer service at 1-888-786-9376 with questions and reference recall number 13V257 when you call.
- Ask a franchised Zero dealer about the free battery-module replacement that keeps water from reaching the battery cells.
- Avoid riding through water or washing the motorcycle until a dealer confirms the battery-module repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The remedy calls for a Zero technician to replace the battery modules on included 2013 Fx and Xu motorcycles. The defect involves sealant in the battery that lets water enter and reach the cells, so the repair focuses on replacing the affected battery modules rather than sealing the old pack. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 13V257.
Timeline
| June 20, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 26, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V257?
Recall 13V257 covers 128 2013 Zero Fx and Xu motorcycles with a battery sealant defect that lets water penetrate the battery and contact the cells. NHTSA lists the safety consequence as cell corrosion, rapid temperature increase, electrolyte off-gassing, and burn risk to the rider.
What should I do if my 2013 Zero Fx or Xu is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 13V257. If it is, contact a franchised Zero dealer to schedule battery module replacement. Reference recall number 13V257 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Zero's remedy says dealers will replace the battery modules free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Zero dealer.
Is it safe to ride my 2013 Zero Fx or Xu before the repair?
This recall involves burn risk to the rider if water reaches the battery cells. The filing does not include a do-not-drive order. Until the battery modules are replaced, confirm your VIN, ask the Zero dealer for guidance, and avoid exposing the motorcycle to water.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V257000 |
|---|---|
| Zero customer service | 1-888-786-9376 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V257 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V257000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →